Boucher Kia Official Blog
What’s New on the 2020 Kia Soul?
By Product Expert | Posted in Kia Soul, New Models on Thursday, December 6th, 2018 at 4:29 pm
2020 Kia Soul Vs. 2019 Kia Soul
When it comes to bombshells, Kia could teach a masterclass. The brand behind the innovative Kia Stinger which has taken down German luxury sports giants and the Kia Soul may be the best at thinking outside of the box. Call Alanis Morrisette, because that’s ironic. It’s also something that keeps us on our toes with regards to announcements from Kia.
When Kia takes the floor somewhere, you never really know if they’re going to announce a wireless electric vehicle charging technology they’re pioneering or if they’re going to just show off a brand-new SUV at New York Fashion Week.
This year, the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show saw Kia bring something they had only slightly teased before – a new-generation Kia Soul. Having extensively pored over the specs and features docs they attached, we’re ready to highlight some of the key differences between the all-new, third-generation Kia Soul and the current 2019 model.
2020 Kia Soul Design Vs. 2019 Kia Soul Design
There’s really not one thing you can pin down as the biggest change with the 2020 Kia Soul. However, the design is likely to be the first thing you notice.
Carrying forward the iconic “sports box” identity of the Kia Soul, the third-generation model makes some sporty and sleek changes. The majority of these are done on the front-end which sees the model switch up its signature “tiger’s nose” grille in favor of one we’ve named “the Stormtrooper’s Sunglasses” grille (TM TM TM Boucher Kia).
[READ MORE: 2019 Kia Soul Exterior Paint Color Options]
What it really does is make the 2019 Kia Soul look like a sports-car/crossover fusion and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Check it out for yourself
Another area you’re likely to see the difference between the two is the profile. Featuring a sleek floating roofline and restyled contours, the 2020 Kia Soul carries a sporty design language into the “husky” subcompact crossover segment
Just for fun, let’s look at the rear hatch as well:
2020 Kia Soul Interior Vs. 2019 Kia Soul Interior
Step inside, and it’s a world of difference. The 2020 Kia Soul’s interior is built around music and features a lot of interesting new amenities that will add rhythm and melody to your everyday life. Accents around the vehicle light up depending on your mood setting with the all-new available Sound Mood Lighting system.
Also available for the first time in a Kia Soul, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of wireless smartphone charging for compatible models and a gigantic, available 10.25-inch widescreen display in the center console.
2020 Kia Soul Specs Vs. 2019 Kia Soul Specs
One of the most prolific ways Kia has streamlined the new Soul is by offering an improved range of engine and transmissions. Let’s look at what is available for each.
2019 Kia Soul Engine Options
- 1.6L 4-cylinder engine
- 130 horsepower @ 6,300 RPM
- 118 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,850 RPM
- 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder engine
- 161 horsepower @ 6,200 RPM
- 150 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,700 RPM
- 1.6L turbocharged engine
- 201 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
- 195 lb-ft. of torque @ 1,500 – 4,500 RPM
2020 Kia Soul Engine Options
- 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder engine
- 147 horsepower @ 6,200 RPM
- 132 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,500 RPM
- 1.6L turbocharged engine
- 201 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
- 195 lb-ft. of torque @ 1,500 – 4,500 RPM
So, while the 2020 Kia Soul has lost an engine option, it’s gone to make the base model more powerful and bring the 2020 Kia Soul in line with the 2019 Kia Forte for a perfect balance between efficiency and power. We don’t have the official numbers yet on fuel efficiency. Switching to MPI, however, should see a big lift in the base engine.
2020 Kia Soul Vs. 2019 Kia Soul Transmission
Likewise, there should be a significant improvement from the transmission options. Although the base model will still include the engaging and fun 6-speed manual transmission and the turbocharged engine will be paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch, the 2020 Kia Soul has one more trick up its sleeve.
In an effort to improve fuel efficiency and driver engagement, the 6-speed automatic transmission is foregone for the IVT currently being used in the 2020 Kia Forte. This engine/transmission combination in the Forte sees up to 40 highway miles per gallon.
Will we get that in the 2020 Kia Soul? Probably not.
Will we get something impressive, however? Count on it!
2020 Kia Soul Release Date
Having just announced the thing, Kia hasn’t given us much to go on for a release date yet. That said, you can always check back to the Boucher Kia blog for information as we receive it. We would expect to see the 2020 Kia Soul around spring of next year, however.
For more questions about the current Kia Soul or upcoming Kia Soul or to put your name on a list to test-drive it once we have one, contact us today!
